Simply Faithful: Stories and substance on social media

Thursday

May 4, 2017 at 11:05 AMMay 4, 2017 at 11:05 AM

Marketta Gregory More Content Now

Listen, I am all in favor of cute baby pictures, and I don’t even mind the occasional snapshot of a meal. But if given the choice, I prefer a steady diet of story and substance -- in real life and on social media.

If you’re looking for that, too, then let’s compile a list of people who offer practical tips for living out our faith. Let’s find people who are authentic and encouraging because their stories will strengthen all of us.

I’ll get us started. Here’s who I’ve been following and learning about on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat:1. It’s no secret that I have a writing crush on Ann Voskamp. I love her focus on gratitude and how she uses her words with the precision of a poet, and it was one of her social media posts that introduced me to Meredith Toering -- a must-follow on Instagram. Meredith, an Oklahoma native, lives in China and runs Morning Star, a foster home for babies and infants who have complex congenital heart defects. Her Instagram feed could easily dwell on the challenges she faces. Instead, you’ll find post after post that highlights courage and hope.2. Interested in a more inspired life? Follow Called to Create, a community of Christian entrepreneurs and creatives. You can find them on Instagram or visit calledtocreate.org to sign up for their weekly devotional.3. You’ll like Tyler Speegle, too. He’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. He writes about things like spiritual conviction and finding peace when you are uncomfortable. Good stuff. Important stuff.4. I’ve just started following Adam Powell mainly because he loves tacos, and I respect anyone who points that out in his profile. Turns out he’s also in ministry and a photographer, and I’m really enjoying what he says: We always want God to fix our circumstances. Sometimes He doesn’t. Sometimes He wants to fix our focus within our circumstances. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat at @RealAdamPowell.5. I’m addicted to listening to podcasts and I really like Man in the Pew by Phil Mershon. I’m not his target audience, but he covers topics like how to stay grounded in tumultuous times and how to stay competitive at work while following Christ -- topics that are helpful regardless of gender.

Who else are we missing? Who should we add to the list?

-- Marketta Gregory is a former religion reporter who can’t stop writing about what is sacred and holy. She is a native of Oklahoma but makes her home in Rochester, New York, with her husband, two crazy boys and one very vocal Pomeranian. Find more of her writing at SimplyFaithful.com or check out her book, “Simply Faithful: Finding the Sacred in Everyday Life.”